Thomas Fire

January 6, 2018 (San Diego) -- The number of wildfires last year in California was unprecedented, as was the total number of acres burned, Cal Fire Public Information Officer Isaac Sanchez reports.

As we move into the new year, Sanchez says 2017 will become “the history that we measure all future years against,” but he adds, “We must recognize that despite the reset, the fire danger in San Diego remains elevated.”

December 14, 2017 (Dulzura) – Cal Fire engineer Cory Iverson, 32, who was stationed in Dulzura, has died of injuries sustained fighting the Thomas Fire in Ventura County this morning. A resident of Escondido, he leaves behind a 2-year-old daughter, Evie and his wife, Ashley, who is expecting the couple’s second daughter in the spring.

"Today has been a tragic and devastating day," Cal Fire San Diego County Fire Chief Tony Mecham told media at a press conference. "This incident has shaken our organization to the core." He praised Iverson as “a great young man, somebody who really loved his job."

Public urged to use caution to avoid infernos like those scorching Los Angeles and Ventura

By Miriam Raftery

Photo by Thirdiphoto: Skirball Fire created hellacious conditions that shut down the 405 freeway today near the Getty Museum in Los Angeles.

December 6, 2017 (San Diego’s East County) – High winds fueling devastating fires in Los Angeles are set to hit San Diego County tomorrow, with gusts of 70 mph or more in some areas. Currently no fires are burning in San Diego County, though smoke from a fire in Mexico is visible near the border. But the situation could turn perilous quickly if new fires start. National Weather Forecaster Alex Tardy says Santa Ana winds could blow a fire in the inland area all the way to the coast.

December 5, 2017 (San Diego) – At least 150 families have lost their homes just weeks before the holidays, due to fast moving brush fires fueled by Santa Winds across southern California.

Most devastating is the Thomas Fire in Ventura County, which has scorched 50,000 acres and forced 30,000 people to evacuate; the blaze is 50% contained. In Los Angeles County, the Creek Fire has burned 11,000 acres with no containment thus far; the Rye Fire charred 5,000 acres and is 50% contained.

In San Bernadino County, the Meyers Fire forced shut down of Highway 15 and Highway 215 though most lanes are now reopened. It charred 35 acres and is 50% contained.